Welcome Rawlinson Road Middle School Parents and Faculty We have a dropout crisis ….. South Carolina has one of the lowest graduation rates in America You are being called to be part of the solution and an advocate for the best education in the world

The Problem 10,000 teens drop out of high school every day Almost 1/3 of public high school students nationwide Nearly one half of all African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans Dropouts earn $1 million less over a lifetime than college graduates

The Problem cont’d 3 times more likely than college graduates to be unemployed 4 out of every 10 young adults (ages 16 – 24) lacking a high school diploma received some type of government assistance Dropouts are more than 8 times likely to be in jail or prison than a person with at least a high school diploma Studies show that the lifetime cost to the nation for each youth who drops out of school and later moves into a life of crime and drugs ranges from $1.7 to $2.3 million

A Probable Solution There are no simple solutions to the dropout crisis TEENS first need a one on one relationship with a caring adult Create an initiative that inspires students to go the distance Collaborate with other Organizations and Institutions

A Probable Solution cont’d “Friend of the delinquent boy” “Optimists bringing out the best in kids” This crisis presents a unique opportunity for Optimists, parents and educators A dropout intervention initiative Optimists will need the support of parents and other organizations

Strategic Partnerships The SUCCESS Foundation Communities in Schools Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Sylvan Learning Centers

The SUCCESS Foundation Founded in 2008, The SUCCESS Foundation encourages today's teens to become tomorrow's achievers. Their mission is to provide youth with personal development resources that inspire them to reach new levels of achievement SUCCESS Foundation is committed to helping teens develop skills to reach their full potential. Committed to distributing 10 million SUCCESS for Teens™ books and CDs to youth

Communities In Schools (CIS) CIS provides the link between Optimists and the schools Leading community-based organization helping kids succeed in school and prepare for life 27 states, 3,200 schools Bringing outside resources into schools to meet the needs of kids at risk

Big Brothers Big Sisters Provides training for mentors Performs the background checks Matches the little with the big Follow up on a weekly basis Represents the big in the event of a claim of improper conduct

Sylvan Learning Center Performs the California Achievement test Designs a specific remedial course based on diagnostics Can bring the student to perform at grade level and above A history of proven success

Youth Empowerment Service….YES Foundation of Y.E.S. initiative is based on the book, SUCCESS For Teens The book is based on the SLIGHT EDGE philosophy, created by Jeff Olson Optimists, parents and educators would serve as facilitators of the book in eight sessions Optimists and parents would serve as mentors and Tutors

The Tools

Pilot Programs Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Midwood High School East Mecklenburg Independence Rocky River West Charlotte Jail North and Central High Schools for boy and girls

Boone North Carolina 33% of Watauga High School students don’t graduate. Approved as part of the curriculum in Watauga Schools The Boone Optimist Club with the Appalachian State University College Optimist Club… Present SUCCESS for Teens™ in school during the day….

What Teens are Saying “ I feel like have the ability to do anything that I put my mind to.” “I know I have what it takes to become anything that I want in life.” “I learned that I can create any life I want by taking little positive steps everyday.” “Thank You for taking the time to help me realize that I can have a successful future.”

The Need Many new Optimists are needed College Optimist Clubs New Clubs Friends of Optimists

Conclusion “The dropout crisis isn’t just an education issue it reflects the failure of the adult community.” “Educators need help from concerned adults delivering the services at the schools.” “This nation cannot rightfully expect to lead the 21st century’s information and technology driven global economy when upwards of 30% of our young people not even graduating from high school” -Thomas Donohue, President & CEO, US Chamber of Commerce

How to Get Started Pick up FREE copies of the books Learn how you can be a part of the YES initiative At Rawlinson Road Middle School Join a Rock Hill Optimist Club to serve the youth of our community. Organize a College Optimist Club in York County Go TO :

YES Count me in! As you leave tonight, please provide your name and contact information if you are interested in learning more about becoming a facilitator, mentor, tutor or a member of a Rock Hill Optimist Club

Thank You